Serum resistin and lipid profile in primigravida females with and without preeclampsia: An analytical cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: To measure and compare the serum levels of resistin and lipid profile parameters in primigravida females with and without preeclampsia. Methods: The analytical cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Health Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan, from 2018 to 2020, and comprised primigravida females having gestational age 30-36 weeks. Those with preeclampsia constituted group 1, while normotensive females constituted group 2. All the participants were subjected to detailed history and general physical examination. Serum resistin levels were measured by enzymelinked immunosorbent assay, and lipid profile parameters were measured using the colorimetric method. Data was analysed using SPSS 20. RESULTS: Of the 80 women, 40(50%) were in group 1 with mean age 23.07±2.10 years and mean gestation age 33.45±2.30 weeks. There were 40(50%) women in group 2 with mean age 23.02±2.11 years and mean gestational age 34.45±1.75 weeks. Mean serum resistin was significantly higher in group 1 compared to group 2 (p<0.02). Mean levels of lipid parameters were significantly different between the groups (p˂0.05). Conclusion: Preeclampsia was found to be associated with higher levels of resistin and lipid parameters compared to normal pregnancy.

Norethisterone-Induced Liver Injury and a Short Survey Among Gynecologists.

Norethisterone, a commonly used oral contraceptive, and treatment for various gynecological disorders such as menorrhagia, abnormal uterine bleeding, and breast cancer, has been associated with multiple liver injuries. These injuries can manifest as hepatitis or cholestatic types of injury, benign neoplasms, peliosis hepatis, sinusoidal obstruction syndrome, and enlargement of existing hemangiomas. This report presents three cases in which liver enzyme levels were elevated due to norethisterone intake. Two of the cases were individuals undergoing evaluation as potential kidney donors in the nephrology department for their spouses, while the third case involved a patient with chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage-5 on maintenance hemodialysis. Regular follow-up of these patients, particularly due to the significance of two being kidney donors and one having advanced CKD, allowed for early detection of asymptomatic liver enzyme elevation and prompt discontinuation of norethisterone. Prescribing norethisterone is common in gynecological settings, including ours. To assess gynecologists' knowledge regarding norethisterone-related side effects, we conducted an online survey, the results of which are discussed in this report.

Leptin and Hyperlipidemia in Primigrivida Preeclamptic Women and Normotensive Women.

OBJECTIVE: To measure and compare serum levels of leptin and lipid profile parameters in primigravida women with PE and normotensive primigravida. STUDY DESIGN: Analytical cross-sectional study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Health Sciences, Lahore, from 2018 to 2020. METHODOLOGY: Preeclamptic (PE, group A) and normal primigravida (PG, group B) with gestational age 30-36 weeks were recruited from tertiary care hospitals. After written and informed consent, blood samples were taken. Serum was separated and stored at -80oC until processed. CBC and lipid profile of each patient was also done using automated lab machines. Serum levels of leptin were calculated by ELISA. The data was entered and analysed in SPSS version 20. RESULTS: The mean serum levels of leptin (ng/ml) in PE (group A) were significantly raised compared to normotensive PG (group B) at 33.44±12.91 and 4±6.20 respectively (p.

A Cross-Sectional Study on the Psychological Impact of Stress, Anxiety and Depressive Symptoms in COVID-19 Patients.

Background COVID-19 has become a public health emergency caused by a negative-stranded ribonucleic acid (RNA) virus, which previously caused severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and the Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS). In addition, the pandemic led to an array of social, financial, psychological, and psychiatric issues. Methods An observational study was performed with consecutive sampling and included patients diagnosed with COVID-19 and admitted to the hospital. Subjects were evaluated using a semi-structured proforma and an online survey of the revised Impact of Event Scale (IES-R) 15 days post-discharge from the hospital. Results A total of 201 subjects were recruited, of which approximately 30% were female, and the rest were male. Approximately half of the subjects experienced symptoms suggestive of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), with the highest number of patients falling in the severe category. Also, females experienced more anxiety symptoms than males (p=0.002). Conclusion Infection with COVID-19 and hospitalization tended to significantly impact individuals' mental state. In addition, the majority of subjects had severe symptoms of post-COVID PTSD, warranting the need for treatment.

Serum Resistin Levels and Related Genetic Variants Are Associated With Bone Mineral Density in Postmenopausal Women.

Background: Osteoporosis is a multifactorial disorder and a number of genetic variants or loci responsible for bone mineral density (BMD) have been identified. Resistin, a novel adipokine has diverse role in human body including its function in bone remodeling. The objective of this study was to see the association of serum resistin levels and related genetic variants (rs3931020, rs13144478) with BMD in postmenopausal females. Methods: This comparative analytical study was conducted on postmenopausal osteoporotic (n=101), osteopenic (n=77) and non-osteoporotic (n=74) females. For comparison and correlational analysis, Kruskal-Wallis test and Spearman's rho correlation were used respectively. Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) was calculated by using Chi-square test (χ2). Results: There was significant difference in the serum levels of resistin (p <0.001), among the three groups. Significant negative correlation of resistin was observed with BMD at various sites. Serum resistin levels were significantly low in the rs3931020 AA homozygous genotype (p = 0.010), and significantly high in the rs13144478 AT heterozygous genotype (p = 0.020), BMD at all sites except left femoral neck was significantly high in rs3931020 AA genotype, while BMD at lumbar spine, left hip and total BMD were significantly low in the rs13144478 TT homozygotes. Conclusion: High serum resistin levels are associated with low BMD and single nucleotide variation in rs3931020 and rs13144478 may lead to high serum resistin levels and low bone mineral density. Resistin can serve as a new genetic marker, potential therapeutic target and predictor of osteoporosis.

Correlation of insulin resistance with neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio and serum ferritin in male patients of metabolic syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the correlation of insulin resistance with neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and serum ferritin, and to evaluate whether NLR and serum ferritin can predict insulin resistance in metabolic syndrome. METHODS: The cross-sectional analytical study was conducted at the University of Health Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan, from July 2016 to 2019, and comprised male patients of metabolic syndrome and healthy controls. The correlation involving insulin resistance, serum ferritin and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio was determined. Data was analysed using SPSS 22. RESULTS: Of the 210 subjects, 160(76.2%) were cases with a median age of 45 years (interquartile range: 39-50 years), and 50(23.8%) were controls with a median age of 41 years (interquartile range: 35-50 years). Serum ferritin, alanine aminotransferase, total neutrophil count, lymphocyte count and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio were significantly higher among the cases than the controls (p<0.05). Significant positive correlation of insulin resistance was observed with serum ferritin and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (p<0.05)) among the cases. Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio significantly predicted insulin resistance among the cases (p<0.05). Conclusion: Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio was fund to be a significant predictor of insulin resistance in metabolic syndrome.

Expression levels of MiRNA-16, SURVIVIN and TP53 in Preeclamptic and Normotensive women.

OBJECTIVE: To measure and compare micro ribonucleic acid-16, survivin and tumour protein p53-regulated apoptosis-inducing protein 1 expression levels in preeclamptic and normotensive pregnancies, and to check the correlation of micro ribonucleic acid-16 with messenger ribonucleic acid expression of survivin and tumour protein p53. METHODS: The observational cross-sectional comparative study was conducted at the Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Health Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan, from 2016 to 2018, and comprised preeclamptic women in group A and normotensive women in group B. The preeclamptic patients were further categorised into early-onset preeclampsia subgroup A1and late-onset preeclampsia group A2. Expression of micro ribonucleic acid-16, messenger ribonucleic acid expression of survivin and tumour protein p53 in preeclamptic and normotensive pregnancies were analysed using real time polymerase chain reaction. Data was analysed using SPSS 22. RESULTS: Of the 54 patients, 27(50%) were in each of the two groups. Within group A, 14(52%) patients were in group A1 and 13(48%) in group A2. The expression of micro ribonucleic acid 16 showed significant increase in group A compared to group B (p<0.05). The difference was not significant between the subgroups A1 and A2. The levels of messenger ribonucleic acid expression of survivin and tumour protein p53 were deregulated in group A, with a decrease in survivin and an increase in tumour protein p53. The messenger ribonucleic acid expression of survivin and tumour protein p53 showed statistically significant differences across subgroups A1 and A2 (p<0.05). The micro ribonucleic acid-16 expression correlated negatively with messenger ribonucleic acid expression of survivin, but exhibited a positive correlation with tumour protein p53. CONCLUSIONS: Deregulated micro ribonucleic acid-16 along with differentially expressed apoptotic genes, survivin and tumour protein p53 might result in altered apoptosis implicated in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia.

Association between hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha rs11549465 (1772 C>T) polymorphism and metabolic syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To find the association of single nucleotide polymorphism of hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha, rs11549465 (1772 Cytosine > Thymine) with metabolic syndrome, and to compare the anthropometric and biochemical variables in different genotypes of hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha. METHODS: The cross-sectional comparative study was conducted at the University of Health Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan, from July 2016 to April 2019, and comprised patients of metabolic syndrome selected from the Sheikh Zayed Hospital, Lahore. Healthy controls were also enrolled. Fasting venous sample was taken for the determination of study parameters. The genetic variant of hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha was analysed by restriction fragment length polymorphism polymerase chain reaction. Data was analysed using SPSS 22. RESULTS: Out of 400 subjects, 200(50%) each were patients and controls. The frequency of CC genotype of hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha Cytosine > Thymine in patients was 166(83%) and in controls 147(73.5%); CT genotype was 34(17%) and 53(26.5%) respectively, while TT genotype was not observed. There was a significant association of the C allele and CC genotype (p=0.03) with the increased risk of metabolic syndrome (p=0.02). On comparison of study variables in the two genotypes, systolic blood pressure, anthropometric and lipid parameters were significantly higher in the wild CC genotype compared to CT in the control group (p<0.05), but there was no significant difference in the patients (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Major allele C of hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha 1772 Cytosine > Thymine was found to be associated with increased risk of metabolic syndrome.

Association of FSHR gene polymorphisms with endometriosis in women visiting tertiary-care hospitals of Lahore, Pakistan.

OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to explore the association of endometriosis risk factors with single nucleotide polymorphisms rs6166 and rs6165 (Asn680Ser and Ala307Thr) of follicle stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) gene in Pakistani women. METHODS: This study was conducted from 2013 to 2016. The sampling and extraction of DNA was done in Department of Zoology GC University, Lahore, while the sequencing was performed at Yale University, USA. This case control study consisted of 364 subjects including 156 women diagnosed with endometriosis and 208 conveniently recruited controls. Subjects diagnosed at stage II-IV endometriosis with infertility were pooled for study. The women with adenomyosis, ovarian cancer and leiomyoma were excluded. The whole blood leukocytes were used for DNA extraction. Two important polymorphisms of exon 10 of FSHR gene were analyzed by direct DNA sequencing both in endometriosis and controls. RESULTS: Genetic variant SNP rs6166 in the affected endometriosis subjects exhibited high incidence of allele "A" (Asn/Asn) 68.3% as compared to controls 33.7% (OR= 4.240; P =0.001). Similarly, the allele "A" of SNP rs6165 (Thr/Thr) was more frequent in endometriosis 67.3% than in control subjects 37.5% (OR =3.430, P =0.001). The occurrence of haplotype AA (Asn/Thr) was 45.5% in endometriosis and 11 % in control subjects (P= 0.001). Remarkably, the incidence of haplotype GG (Ser/Ala) was contrary to previous observations, since only 9.9% occurred in endometriosis as opposed to 45.2% in controls (P= 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Investigation of FSHR gene polymorphisms rs6165and rs6166 (Ala307Thr and Asn680Ser) in the current study showed that haplotype AA (680Asn/307Thr) was associated with endometriosis in Pakistani women.

Serum resistin levels as predictor of low bone mineral density in postmenopausal women.

Resistin, a novel adipokine may play an important role in bone metabolism. The study is designed to discover the association of bone mineral density (BMD) with serum resistin levels, anthropometric measures and to elucidate serum resistin as a predictor of BMD in postmenopausal women. Postmenopausal women (n = 160) were recruited and divided into two groups, non-osteoporotic (n = 70) and osteoporotic (n = 90). BMD was evaluated by DXA scan. High serum resistin levels and low weight are independent contributors to low BMD and can influence BMD at lumbar spine, right femoral neck, right hip, left femoral neck, and left hip in postmenopausal women.

TCF7-L2 rs7903146 polymorphism in metabolic syndrome with and without acute coronary syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency and association of single nucleotide polymorphism of transcription cell factor7-like2 rs7903146 (C>T) in metabolic syndrome patients with and without acute coronary syndrome. METHODS: The cross-sectional comparative study was conducted at the University of Health Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan, from July to December 2017. Patients of metabolic syndrome with and without acute coronary syndrome were selected from Sheikh Zayed Hospital, Lahore, and the Punjab Institute of Cardiology, Lahore. Healthy subjects were enrolled to act as controls. A fasting blood sample of 8ml was taken for deoxyribonucleic acid extraction and estimation of biochemical parameters. Single nucleotide polymorphism of transcription cell factor7-like2 rs7903146 C>T was determined using restriction fragment length polymorphism. SPSS 22 was used for data analysis. RESULTS: Of the 500 subjects, 200(40%) were group A patients without acute coronary syndrome, 100(20%) were in group B with acute coronary syndrome and 200(40%) were group C controls. Overall, 385(77%) were males and 115(23%) were females. The frequency of CC variant in group A was 35(17.5%) and in group C 22(11%), while CT was 32(16%) and 65(32.5%), and TT was 133(66.5%) and 113(56.5%), respectively. There was significant association of TT genotype with increased risk of metabolic syndrome (p=0.031), and CC genotype had no association (p=0.121). There was no significant difference of genotype frequency between groups A and B (p=0.246), but TT variant was significantly higher in group A compared to group B (p=0.009). CONCLUSIONS: TT genotype of transcription cell factor7-like2 rs7903146 C>T was found to be associated with increased risk of metabolic syndrome in patients without acute coronary syndrome compared to those with acute coronary syndrome and healthy controls.

Plasma somatostatin and insulin like growth factor-1 levels in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate plasma somatostatin and insulin like growth factor-1levels in women with polycystic ovary syndrome, and to compare it with healthy controls. METHODS: The cross-sectional comparative study was conducted at the University of Health Sciences (UHS), Lahore, Pakistan, from December 2016 to January 2018, and comprised patients of polycystic ovary syndrome selected from tertiary care hospitals of the city. A group of apparently healthy women was also raised from the local community to work as controls. Anthropometric measurements, general physical examination and fasting blood glucose levels were determined for each subject. Plasma insulin, somatostatin and insulin like growth factor-1levels were estimated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Data was collected using a predesigned questionnaire and was analysed using SPSS 20. RESULTS: Of the 80 subjects, 40(50%) were cases with a mean age of 22.63±4.47 years, and 40(50%) were controls with a mean age of 22.78±4.85 years (p>0.05). The cases had higher fasting blood glucose, insulin and insulin like growth factor-1levels (p<0.05) compared to the controls. CONCLUSIONS: Insulin resistance and lower somatostatin levels along with higher insulin like growth factor-1 levels were found in women with polycystic ovary syndrome compared to healthy women.

Comparative gene expression analysis of Fas and related genes in preeclamptic and healthy women: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Preeclampsia is a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy affecting about 2-10% pregnancies worldwide. mRNA expression of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF- α ), Fas, and FasL have been reported to be altered in placental bed in preeclamptic pregnancies. We hypothesized that the expression of these genes is also altered in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in preeclampsia. OBJECTIVE: To compare the expression of Fas receptor and related genes in PBMCs of preeclamptic and normotensive pregnant women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional comparative study comprising of 18 cases and 18 controls was designed. 5 ml of venous blood was drawn and collected considering aseptic measures. Buffy coat was separated by centrifugation and stored at -20°C. Favor Prep total RNA Isolation Kit (Favorgen, Taiwan) was used for RNA extraction. The mRNA expression of TNF- α , Fas, and FasL was measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction in PBMCs in preeclamptic and normal pregnancies. RESULTS: A significant increase in mRNA expression of TNF- α , Fas, and FasL (p ≤ 0.001) was observed in PBMCs of preeclamptic pregnancies compared to the control group (p ≤ 0.001). Moreover, a significant positive correlation was found between the TNF- α mRNA expression and Fas and FasL (p ≤ 0.001). CONCLUSION: The results lead to the conclusion that mRNA expression of TNF- α , Fas, and FasL in the maternal PBMCs is altered in preeclamptic pregnancies and might contribute to the pathogenesis of the disease.

Plasma Surfactant Protein-A Levels In Healthy Subjects And Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients.

BACKGROUND: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality across the globe. Currently, there is a dearth of biomarkers which can accurately diagnose and evaluate the prognosis of the disease. Systemic Surfactant Protein- A (SP-A) levels are generally higher in smokers compared to non-smokers as well as elevated in COPD patients as compared to controls. The objective of the study was to estimate and compare plasma surfactant protein-A levels in male and female COPD patients and healthy subjects and to evaluate the role of SP-A as a possible bio-marker for COPD patients. METHODS: A Comparative study, conducted at the department of Physiology & Cell Biology, University of Health Sciences, Lahore between August 2013 and April 2015. A total of 84 subjects of both sexes between 30-80 years of age were included in this study. Subjects were taken from local community and were divided into four groups (A- D). COPD was diagnosed on the basis of relevant history and spirometry showing post bronchodilator FEV1/FVC <0.70. RESULTS: Plasma SP-A levels were not different between controls and COPD patients and between male and female COPD patients. However, SP-A levels were directly correlated with cotinine levels (r= 0.503, p=0.001). Female patients were usually more symptomatic than males and developed COPD at an earlier age compared with male patients. CONCLUSION: Plasma SP-A levels were not significantly different between groups. Plasma cotinine levels (an indication of the tobacco use) were positively correlated with plasma SP-A levels in study subjects. Female patients developed COPD at an early age compared to male counterparts with similar tobacco exposure.

Bisphenol-A induced antioxidants imbalance and cytokines alteration leading to immune suppression during larval development of Labeo rohita.

Recently, the oxidative stress and immunotoxicity biomarkers have been extensively used in embryotoxicity using fish embryos as promising models especially after exposure to chemical-like environmental estrogens. Bisphenol-A (BPA) is an estrogenic endocrine disruptor and is ubiquitous in the aquatic environment. Larvae of Labeo rohita were exposed to low concentrations of BPA (10, 100, 1000 µg/l) for 21 days. Innate immune system, antioxidants parameters, and developmental alterations were used as biomarkers. Exposure to BPA caused developmental abnormalities including un-inflated swim bladder, delayed yolk sac absorption, spinal curvature, and edema of pericardium. Lipid peroxidation increased and activity of catalase (p < 0.05), superoxide dismutase (p < 0.05), and glutathione peroxidase (p < 0.01) decreased after exposure to BPA. Level of reduced glutathione also decreased (p < 0.05) in BPA-exposed group. Lower expression of tumor necrosis factor-α (p < 0.05) and interferon-γ (p < 0.001) was observed in BPA-exposed groups while expression of interleukin-10 increased (p < 0.05) in larvae exposed to 10 µg/l BPA. Moreover, exposure of BPA caused a concentration-dependent increase in expression of heat shock protein 70 (p < 0.05). The present study showed that the exposure to BPA in early life stages of Labeo rohita caused oxidative stress and suppress NF-κB signaling pathway leading to immunosuppression. The results presented here demonstrate the cross talk between heat shock protein 70 and cytokines expression.

Elevated Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF)-α mRNA Expression Correlates with Nuclear Factor Kappa B Expression in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells in Preeclampsia.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate, compare and correlate the mRNA expression of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kB) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells in preeclampsia and normotensive group. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional comparative study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: The study was done in the Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Health Sciences, Lahore, from November 2016 to November 2018. METHODOLOGY: Blood samples were collected and mRNA expression of NF-kB and TNF-α was measured quantitatively by real-time polymerase chain reaction in peripheral blood mononuclear cells in 27 preeclamptic and 27 normal pregnancies. The preeclamptic group was further divided into early and late onset preeclampsia. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS (version 22). RESULTS: The peripheral blood mononuclear cells mRNA expression of NF-kB and TNF-α differed within the two groups with an increase in expression in the diseased group (p <0.001). There was an increase of 2.79 fold in mRNA expression of TNF-α while the result for NF-αB was 2.28 fold. The difference in the expression of both NF-kB and TNF-α was significant within the two subgroups of preeclampsia (p <0.001). TNF-α was found to be strongly correlated with NF-kB (p <0.01).

Association Between Vitamin D and Resistin in Postmenopausal Females With Altered Bone Health.

Background: Resistin is a relatively novel adipokine that has a role in bone remodeling and may regulate bone mineral density (BMD). Vitamin D and adipokines have a dynamic role in the body's various metabolic processes, including bone metabolism, and may alter bone metabolism in relation to each other. This study aimed to investigate the association between vitamin D and serum resistin levels in postmenopausal non-osteoporotic and osteoporotic females. Methods: This correlational analytical study was conducted on 161 postmenopausal females, divided into two groups, non-osteoporotic and osteoporotic, between 50-70 years. Bone mineral density (BMD) was assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan. Serum resistin and vitamin D levels were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. Serum calcium, phosphate, and alkaline phosphatase with spectrophotometry. A correlation was checked using spearman's rho correlation coefficient, and multivariate stepwise regression analysis was used to predict serum resistin levels. Results: Postmenopausal females (n=161) having sufficient, insufficient and deficient levels of vitamin D were 87 (54.0%), 64 (39.8%), and 10 (6.2%), respectively. Lumbar spine BMD (p < 0.001), total hip BMD (p < 0.001), and serum resistin levels (p < 0.001) were significantly different between the two groups. There was a significant negative correlation between serum resistin and vitamin D in postmenopausal females (rho = -0.182, p = 0.021) and osteoporotic group (rho = -0.253, p = 0.019) but non-significant in non-osteoporotic group (rho = -0.077, p = 0.509). Serum vitamin D was found to be independent predictor of serum resistin levels, accounting for only 3% variance. Conclusion: Serum vitamin D levels were low while serum resistin levels were high in postmenopausal osteoporotic females and vitamin D is a negative predictor of serum resistin levels.

Adrenergic receptor beta-3 rs4994 (T>C) and liver X receptor alpha rs12221497 (G>A) polymorphism in Pakistanis with metabolic syndrome.

The present study aimed to determine the association of adrenergic receptor beta-3 (ADRB3) rs4994 T>C and liver X receptor alpha (LXR-α) rs12221497 G>A polymorphism with metabolic syndrome (Met S) and the related traits in Pakistanis. Patients of Met S were recruited from the Endocrinology and Diabetic Clinic of Sheikh Zayed Hospital Lahore, over the time span of 6 months from July to December 2016. Single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of ADRB3 was determined by restriction fragment length polymorphism and of LXR-α by amplification refractory mutation system polymerase chain reaction. The frequency of TT variant of ADRB3 T>C in Met S was 69 (34.5%) and in controls 89 (44.5%), frequency of TC 103 (51.5%) and 96 (48%), and of CC 28 (14%) and 15 (7.5%), respectively. In the recessive model (CC: TT + TC), CC genotype was found to be associated with the increased risk of Met S (P = 0.027; odds ratio [OR] = 2.09; confidence interval [CI] =1.08-4.03) and the association remained significant after controlling for the confounders such as age and sex. The frequency of GG variant of LXR-α G>A in Met S was 35 (17.5%) and in controls 15 (7.5%), GA 129 (64.5%) and 137 (68.5%), and AA 36 (18%) and 48 (24%), respectively. In the recessive model (GG: GA + AA), GG genotype was found to be associated with the increased risk of Met S (P = 0.004; OR = 2.52; CI = 1.33-4.80) and the association remained significant after controlling for the confounders such as age and sex. It was concluded that SNP of ADRB3 (190 T>C) and LXR-α (-115 G>A) were associated with the risk of Met S and might increase the susceptibility to the obesity-related traits.

Peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma 34C>G variant and anthropometric parameters in metabolic syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency of 34 Cytosine >Guanine (proline 12 alanine) variant of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma, and to associate it with metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance and anthropometric obesity parameters. METHODS: The cross-sectional comparative study was conducted at the University of Health Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan, from September 2016 to 2017, and comprised patients of metabolic syndrome and healthy controls. Blood pressure and anthropometric measurements of all the subjects were recorded. Fasting blood sample of 4ml was taken for biochemical parameter and deoxyribonucleic acid extraction. The frequency of genetic variant was determined by amplification refractory mutation system polymerase chain reaction. Data was analysed using SPSS 22. RESULTS: Out of 400 subjects, 200 (50%) each were patients and controls. Overall, there were 308 (77%) males and 92 (23%) females. Patients had significantly higher blood pressure, body mass index, waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, mid-arm circumference and triceps skinfold thickness compared to the controls (p<0.0001). Insulin resistance was also significantly higher in the patients (p<0.0001) and showed significant correlation with body mass index, waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, mid-arm circumference and triceps skinfold thickness (p<0.05).Waist circumference and triceps skinfold thickness were significant predictors of homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance. Overall, the frequency of homozygous dominant genotype CC of PPAR2 34C>G was 291 (72.75%), heterozygous CG was 93 (23.25%) and homozygous recessive GG was 16 (4%).There was no significant difference in frequency of genotypes between the groups (p=0.216). However, waist circumference and body mass index were significantly lower in GG genotype compared to the CC (p=0.006 versus p=0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Waist circumference and triceps skinfold thickness were found to be the significant predictors of homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance, while no association was found between 34 C>G variant of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma and metabolic syndrome.

Alkaline phosphatase is a predictor of Bone Mineral Density in postmenopausal females.

OBJECTIVES: The study was planned to determine whether serum calcium, phosphate and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) are predictors of bone mineral density (BMD) in postmenopausal non-osteoporotic, osteopenic, and osteoporotic females. METHODS: In this cross sectional study, conducted at Shaikh Zayed Hospital, Lahore in the year 2014-2015, postmenopausal females between 50-70 years of age were taken and divided into three groups non-osteoporotic (n=52), osteopenic (n=69) and osteoporotic (n=47). Serum ALP, phosphate and calcium were used in a stepwise multiple regression analysis to predict T-score in these groups. RESULTS: In normal postmenopausal females, the prediction model was statistically significant, F(2, 41) = 6.041, p < 0.05 and showed a T-score variance of 22%. T-score was primarily predicted by higher levels of phosphate and calcium. In postmenopausal osteopenic females, T-score was only predicted by lower levels of ALP. The model was statistically significant, F(1, 59) = 4.995, p < 0.05, and accounted for approximately 7% of the variance of T-score. In postmenopausal osteoporotic females, the prediction model contained no predictors. CONCLUSION: Our study suggested that calcium and phosphate are the strongest predictors of T-score in postmenopausal normal females, while in postmenopausal osteopenic females ALP was the strongest predictor of T-score. Elevated serum ALP levels may help in determining loss of BMD in postmenopausal females.